Changing perceptions: Embracing flying foxes as part of Australia’s biodiversity

Negative attitudes toward flying foxes hinder their conservation, but traditional efforts to shift public perception—defending them, promoting empathy, and encouraging coexistence—have had limited success.

A promising alternative is “normalising” flying foxes by portraying them as fascinating creatures and integral to Australia’s rich biodiversity.

This approach is gaining traction through museum exhibits, photography, public art, books, education, and community events. However, flying foxes remain underrepresented in broader depictions of Australian wildlife, partly due to fears of public backlash or market impacts.

Advocates hope that increasing representation will foster appreciation for their intrinsic value, shifting public attitudes away from contentious issues toward admiration and respect for these vital animals.

At Adelaide’s Womadelaide festival, one of the most awe-inspiring moments isn’t on stage—it’s the nightly flight of thousands of grey-headed flying foxes from Botanic Park. As dusk falls, the bats take to the skies in a breathtaking display of diving, swooping, and flapping, leaving festivalgoers mesmerised.

Environment Institute Member Associate Professor Wayne Boardman, a wildlife veterinarian and researcher at the University of Adelaide, has made it his mission to educate people about these often misunderstood animals. At his “bat tent” near one of the main stages, visitors can explore displays, watch videos, and use binoculars to get a closer look at the flying foxes. Boardman shares his deep admiration for them: “Their sheer beauty, astonishing biology, and amazing anatomy never cease to amaze me.”.

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Image: Nils Bouillard